Overview
Learn to use IC Compiler II to run a complete place and route flow on block-level designs. The flow covered within the workshop addresses the main design closure steps for multi-voltage designs, with multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM) timing and power challenges. All topics are accompanied by very engaging hands-on lab exercises.
Day 1 topics include: ICC II GUI usage; objects, blocks and application options; block-level floorplanning; placement and incremental post-placement optimizations.
Day 2 topics include: Library preparation for IC Compiler II NDM cell libraries; IC Compiler II's re-architected multi-corner/mode/scenario design setup process; classic clock tree synthesis as well as "concurrent clock-and-data" optimization.
Day 3 topics include: More details on CTS setup; signal routing and post-route optimization; top-level integration and implementation using block abstracts; functional and timing ECOs, signoff DRC and metal filling using IC Validator.
Objectives
At the end of this workshop you should be able to use IC Compiler II to:
- Use the GUI to analyze the layout during the various design phases
- Control object and layer visibility, rearrange the GUI to suit your needs
- Perform timing analysis using the GUI
- Describe what elements an NDM cell library contains, and create an NDM technology-only library
- Use the Task Assistant to execute floorplanning steps as well as the place and route flow
- Create NDM reference libraries for use in ICC II, both for standard and macro cells, and for storing technology data (technology file, placement site and routing layer settings, RC TLU+ data)
- Create a block-level floorplan including automatic voltage area shaping and placement, automatic macro placement and advanced connectivity analysis, intro to pattern-based power network synthesis, macro keepouts and placement blockages, and congestion map analysis
- Perform and debug design setup to create an initial design which is ready for placement; this includes loading the netlist, floorplan- and scan-DEF files; Loading multi-voltage design data: UPF and voltage-area definitions; creating an NDM design library, and applying common timing and optimization controls
- Create modes, corners and scenarios for IC Compiler II’s rearchitected MCMM environment
- Use timing derate as well as AOCV and POCV derating
- Perform concurrent MCMM standard cell placement and related optimizations to minimize timing violations, congestion, and power; includes Design Fusion setup, leakage, dynamic and total power set up, layer optimization, spare cell handling, congestion-driven restructuring, route driving extraction (RDE), as well as embedded ICG optimization.
- Perform setup for clock tree synthesis and data-path optimization (define exceptions, targets, non-default routing rules, etc.)
- Execute the "classic" CTS and optimization flow, or the concurrent clock-and-data (CCD) flow; global and local skew optimization is covered
- Analyze clock tree and timing results post-CTS using the GUI and text reports
- Perform routing setup to control DRC fixing, via optimization, antenna fixing, and crosstalk reduction
- Route critical, secondary PG and signal nets and perform post-route optimization including post-CTS, CCD, power and crosstalk optimization
- Perform PrimeTime and StarRC based timing analysis and optimization within IC Compiler II
- Use ECO Fusion to perform timing ECO loops controlled from within IC Compiler II
- Create block abstracts and frame views for top-level assembly and implementation
- Analyze and fix physical DRC violations, using IC Validator from within IC Compiler II (In-Design Flow)
- Insert standard cell metal fillers and perform metal filling using IC Validator
- Perform functional unconstrained and freeze-silicon ECOs
- Generate all required output files for signoff extraction and static timing analysis in PrimeTime-SI
- Perform timing ECOs in combination with Primetime Physical Guidance
Audience Profile
ASIC, back-end, or layout designers who will be using IC Compiler II to perform placement, CTS, and routing on block-level designs
Prerequisites
While prior knowledge of IC Compiler II or IC Compiler is not needed, knowledge of general (non-tool specific) standard cell-based placement, CTS, and routing concepts and terms is helpful.
An understanding of basic digital ASIC design concepts is assumed, including:
- Combinational and sequential logic functionality
- Setup and hold timing
Course Outline
Day 1
- Workshop Introduction and GUI use (Lecture + Lab)
- Objects, Blocks and App Options (Lecture only)
- Floorplanning (Lecture + Lab)
- Placement and Optimization (Lecture + Lab)
Day 2
- NDM Cell Libraries (Lecture Only)
- Design Setup (Lecture + Lab)
- Timing Setup (Lecture + Lab)
- Running CTS (Lecture + Lab)
Day 3
- Setting Up CTS (Lecture + Lab)
- Routing and Optimization (Lecture + Lab)
- Top Level Implementation (Lecture Only)
- Signoff (Lecture + Lab)
- Customer Support (Lecture only)
Synopsys Tools Used
- IC Compiler II 2018.06-SP4
- PrimeTime 2018.06-SP2
- StarRC 2018.06-SP4
- IC Validator 2018.06-SP2
Delivery Options